Strippable coating composition comprising a polychloroprene and carbon black



Patented Dec. 7, 1948 STRIPPABLE COATING COMPOSITION COM- PRISING A POLYCHLOROPRENE AND CAR- BON BLACK Clyde G. Murphy, Metuchen, and John P. Scrmattei, Matawan, N. .L, assignors to E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Company, Wilmington, Del., a corporation of Delaware No Drawing. Application November 25, 194 Serial No. 565,194

6 Claims. 1

This invention relates to coating compositions and more particularly to sprayable coating compositions which adhere to metal surfaces only slightly when applied thereto and dried, thus permitting stripping of the coating from such surfaces when desired.

The export of vast quantities of metal articles of manufacture, particularly war equipment for Allied armed forces, has created an urgent need for a means for temporarily protecting such material from the corrosive effects of the elements during transportation and storage prior to actual use of such equipment. Proper protection will also be needed for post-war export of products manufactured for peaceful purposes.

Transoceanic shipping because of exposure to salt water is particularly destructive and the tropical and arctic climates in those parts of the world where much material is sent are also highly detrimental to unprotected metal surfaces.

In many instances a permanent protective coating is not permissible, for example, on me- 'chanical replacement parts, and for such purposes any coating which is originally applied must be capable of being readily stripped from the metal surface before the article is put to its intended use. Even when an article is finished with a permanent protective and decorative coating, it is sometimes desired to further temporarily protect this finish against mechanical scuffing and abrasion encountered durlng shipping and storage handling. Thus, a temporary readily strippable coating applied over the permanent finish insures the final consumer receiving the article in an un-marred condition. Coatings of this type applied by hot dipping methods have beenpartially successful but are limited in their utility to relatively small units,

This invention has an object the provision of a coating composition whichhas low adherence to metal surfaces when dried whereby the film may be readily stripped from the surface even after extended storage periods. "Another object is the provision of a strippable coating composition which is waterproof, tough and resilient and which has excellent flexibility at very high and low temperatures. Another object is the provision of a strippable coating composition which affords a film that has good tensile strength and distensibility. Another object is the provision of 2 a strippable coating composition which may be applied by spraying. Another object is the provision of a strippable coating compositionvwhich has good resistance to the passage of water vapor; Another object is the provision of a coating composltion'which may be stripped from permanent decorative and protective synthetic resin finishes (for example, alkyd resin finishes), cellulose derivative and varnish type finishes when thoroughly dried. Another object is the provision of a. strippable coating composition which is resistant to volatile aliphatic hydrocarbon oils and greases. A further object is the provision of a strippable coating composition which has good durability on outdoor exposures even in the most severe climatic conditions such as encountered in the tropics and in the far north. A further object of the invention is the provision of a strippable coating which does not develop increased adhesion to metal surfaces during extended storage periods. A further and important object of the invention is the provision of a strippable coating composition. which affords excellent resistance to corrosion of a, metal substrate when exposed to the elements including the particularly adverse conditions encountered during transoceanic shipping and extended storage at locations near salt water. A still further object is 'the provision of a strippable coating which has low surface tack after evaporation of the volatile solvents thus preventing blocking when the coated surfaces are placed in direct contact. A still further object is the provision of a strippable coating which has a modulus of elasticity such that ease of stripping is thereby facilitated. Other objects will become apparent as the description of the invention proceeds,

Example 1 Piperidinium pentamethylene dithiocarbamate. v

The KNR neoprene used in the compositions of this invention consisted of a type having sulfur in chemical combination with the polychloroprene, made by polymerizing chloroprene (2- chloro-l,3 butadiene) in the presence of elementary sulfur as fully described in U. S. Patent 2,351,735.

In this example, the soft carbon black pigment is present in the proportion of 175 parts by weight of carbon black to 100 parts by weight of the sulfur-neoprene.

This composition was prepared by milling the sulfur-neoprene on a conventional differential speed rubber roller mill with the addition of the other solids ingredients until a homogeneous mass was secured after which it was cut in toluene and xylene, in the proportions shown, by mixing with a paddle mixer. The final product had a total solids content of 37.5% and a viscosity of 16 seconds at 25 C. determined in a Parlin cup. (Reference: Physical and Chem ical Examination of Paints, varnishes, Lacquers and Colors, 9th edition, 1939, page 224, H. A. Gardner.)

In order to properly cure the coating it is necessary to add an accelerator (Du Pont #833 a butyraldehyde-monobutylamine condensation product) in an amount of 0.5 part by weight and an activator (a litharge slurry consisting of 47.6% litharge and 52.4% xylene) in an amount of 4.5 parts by weight for each 100 parts by weight of the composition of Example 1 just before application to the metal surface.

Some thickening wasobserved when the curing accelerator and activator were added which gradually disappeared within about 2-3 hours when the composition returned to the normal spraying viscosity noted above.

Two coats of the treated composition were then sprayed on polished steel panels with hour drying time between coats to give a final dry film thickness of about 8 mils. One gallon of this composition will cover approximately 431 from the steel surface. The excellent resistance to corrosion which characterized this product is shown by the results obtained after ten consecutive cycles of exposures as follows: I

16 hours at 100% relative humidity at 100 F.

3 hours at F. v 2 hours at 160 F. 3 hojibrs immersion in a 5% salt solution at No corrosion or rusting on the polished steel surface substrate was observed,

The dry film of the coating composition of this example had a very low water vapor permeability, a film 8 mils thick having a water vapor permeability of but grams per 100 square meters per hour at 395 C. under a vapor pressure differential corresponding to 100% relative humidity on one side of the film and less than 3 on the other side as determined in accordance with the procedure described in the Paper Trade Journal of October 3, 1935, pages 31-39.

The tensile strength of a film from this example with a thickness of 8 mils was about 900 pounds per square inch and the modulus of elasticity at 100% elongation was about 350 pounds per square inch.

Example 2 Per cent by weight KNR neoprene (polymerized sulfur-modi- In this example the softcarbon black pigment (Thermax) is present inthe proportion of 150 parts by weight of carbon black pigment to'100 parts by weight of sulfur-neoprene.

The compositionwas prepared in accordance with the procedure of Example 1. A curing accelerator and activator consisting of 0.5 part by weight of Du Pont Accelerator #833 (a butyraldehydemonobutylamine condensation product) and 5.0 parts by weight of activator consisting of a litharge slurry containing 47.6% litharge and 52.4% xylene for each 100 parts by weight square feet of surface area at a thickness of one mil. The equipment used in applying the coating consisted of a De Vilbiss MBC type spray gun with an FF tip and a #704 "hot spray" type head. An air pressure of 90 pounds on the line and 20 pounds on the spray pot was used. However, other types of conventional spray equipment can be used efiectively also.

The coating was allowed to dry for about 20 hours to remove volatile solvents and then vulcanized by heating at 150 F. for 24 hours.

The composition was then readily stripp of the composition were added just prior to application to the metal surface.

The composition was applied to polished steel panels and cured as in- Example 1.

The resulting film was readily stripped from the metal surface. When a coated panel was subjected to the severe exposure tests previously described no corrosion or rusting on the polished steel surface was observed. As in the composition of Example 1, an 8 mil film prepared from this example likewise exhibited very low water vapor permeability. A film 8 mils in thickness from the composition of Example 2 gave a modulus of elasticity of 390 pounds per square inch at elongation and. an ultimate tensile strength of 884 pounds per square inch.

Example 3 Per cent, by weight KNR neoprene (polymerized sulfur-mbdi- In this example, the carbon black pigment is present in the proportion of 225 parts by weight of carbon black pigment to 100 parts by weight of sulfur-neoprene.

The composition was prepared by the procedure .of Example 1 after which a curing accelerator and an activator of the types described in Example 1 in the proportion of 0.43 part by weight of accelerator and 3.87 parts by weight of activator to 100 parts by weight of the neoprene were added to provide satisfactory curing of the coating.

The composition was applied to polished steel panels and cured as in Example 1.

The resulting film was readily stripped from the metal surface. When a coated panel was subjected to the severe exposure tests previously described, no corrosion or rusting on the polished steel surface was observed. As in the composition of Example 1, a film of 8 mils in thickness prepared from this example likewise exhibited very low water vapor permeability. A film of 8 mils prepared from this example breaks at 90 %elongation but still gives an ultimate tensile strength of 897 pounds per square inch.

The property of ready strippability of the,improved'coatings was found to be retained over considerable periods with little or no tendency to develop undesirable adherence to the metal substrate surface. character of the film provides protection from mechanical damage, scuffing and abrasion. The

durability of the coatings including exceptional superiority in resistance to corrosion of the metal The tough, resilient, flexible of the accelerator and activator, the mixture should be used in less than 100 hours.

For satisfactory strippability the thickness of the. dry film on the metal substrate surface should not be substantially less than about 4-5 mils and for adequate corrosion-resistance the film thickness should not be substantially less than about 7-9 mils. Somewhat greater thickness can be used and will give proportionately better protection, but it is not necessary and undesirable economically.

Pigmentation of the composition affords improved outdoor durability and for this purpose those pigments commonly employed for the compounding of rubber compositions are preferable. Carbon blacks such as channel black, semireinforcing carbon black and soft carbon black (Thermax) are satisfactory for the present purpose. Such pigments for best results are used in the proportion of about 175 parts by weight of pigment to about 100 parts by weight of sulfurneoprene. Proportions of between about 150 parts and 250 parts by weight of pigment to 100 parts by weight of sulfur-neoprene may be used with acceptable results. Smaller amounts of the .pigment tend to lower water-resistance and to surface substrate on severe outdoor exposures was excellent and they are also marked by high resistance to volatile aliphatic hydrocarbons, oils and greases.

. for a period of about 4 to 6 weeks. However,

the unusually low water vapor transmission and the high degree of corrosion-resistance are apparent as soon as the volatile solvents are evap- :crated from the coating. It is, also possible to strip the film from the metal substrate surface after about 48 hours at room temperature but for optimum results curing at elevated temperatures or for extended periods at room temperature is preferred.

The compositions are stable in storage over extended periods but following the incorporation increase film tack, thus causing undesirable blocking in the final film when coated surfaces are placed together. Also, when less pigment is used there is a pronounced drop in themodulus,

of elasticity which reduces ease of stripping. Thus, when equal parts of pigment an'dthe sulfur-neoprene are used, the modulus of elasticity is 205 pounds at elongation whereas. when the proportion of pigment to sulfur-neoprene is 1.5 to 1', the modulus 'of elasticity is 390 pounds per square inch at'100% elongation. The ultimate tensile strengths of film's from such compositions are, however, substantially equivalent.

Substantially larger amounts of pigment decrease tensile strength and distensibility.

The Circo' Light Process oil shown in the example which is a high solvency petroleum derived oil of low aniline point functions as a softener for the neoprene and contributes to the flexibility of the final film particularly at low temperatures.

The plasticizer-stabilizer, preferably consisting of Du Pont Accelerator #552, shown in the examples, is added preferably in an amount of about 1.2% by weight based on the sulfur-neoprene content although satisfactory results are obtained when this material is included in an amount of between about 0.4% and 2.6%. I

Zinc oxide when used in conjunction with magnesia improves the physical properties of the vulcanized neoprene.

In addition, these ingredients which are preferably added in an amount of about 5% based on the sulfur-neoprene content, have been found to increase the waterresistance and corrosion-resistance of the neoprene coating. This may be due to their. action in neutralizing any small quantities of hydrogen chloride that may be evolved during the curing period or when the films are exposed to sunlight or serious oxidizing conditions.

The stearic acid which is preferably included in an amount of about 2% based on the sulfurneoprene assists in processing the composition by reducing sticking to the colloid rolls, reduces the time required for the sprayed film to reach the tack-free stage (usuallyabout 16 hours) by some exudation to the surface and also appears to contribute to making the film more readily strippable.

In order to properly cure the sprayed film itis necessary to add an accelerator, such as Du Pont Accelerator #833, a butyraldehyde-monobutylamine condensation product preferably to the extent of about 4% based on the sulfurneoprene content of the composition. The action of this accelerator is augmented by the addition of preferably about 36% based on the sulfurneoprene content of a 47.6% litharge slurry in xylene. In general, the accelerator may be used in an amount of between about 2% and 8% based on the sulfur-neoprene. If less than 2% is employed, curing at room temperature is poor and if the amount used is more than about 8%, the stability of the composition is undesirably reduced and there is no improvement in the room temperature vulcanization rate. The litharge slurry used in conjunction with the accelerator.

may be added in an amount of between about 18% and 72% based on the sulfur-neoprene content. Amounts less than 18% fail to provide improved curing rates and when the content of the activator is increased above about 72%, there is a decided reduction in stability of the composition. The addition of these materials is particularly essential if the coating is to be cured at room temperature.

The property of ready strippability of the improved coatings was found to be retained over considerable periods (for 3 months and more on outdoor exposures in Florida) with little or no tendency to develop undesirable adherence to the metal substrate surface. The tough, resilient, flexible character of the film provides protection from mechanical damage, s cufflng and abrasion. The durability of the coating on severe outdoor exposures is excellent.

The KNR type of neoprene (sulfur-modified chloro-2-butadiene 1, 3) shown in the example is a particularly desirable form of neoprene for the present purposes, because of its low viscosity characteristic, thus permitting higher solids in sprayable compositions, absence of webbing in spray application and rapid curing properties. The sulfur-neoprene may be accelerated strongly by the means previously described, for self-curing at room temperature, a property which is important for manufacturing plants which are not equipped with curing ovens. This type of neoprene and a method for its preparation are fully described in U. S. Patent 2,351,735. In this product, the sulfur is in chemical combination with the polychloroprene and is made by polymerizing chloroprene (2-chloro-1,3 butadiene) in the presence of elementary sulfur. Other types of neoprene are not particularly adapted for use in the present invention.

The compositions of this invention are importantly useful as temporary protective coatings against weathering and corrosion in all climates, including also excellent resistance to salt water,

, ,and decorative coating in which the essential abrasion and scuffing during shipping and storage for many articles for use in the present war such as aircraft, guns and replacement parts for all types of mechanical equipment which are shipped to all parts of the world and which must be received in perfect condition for effective use. Post-war utilities are exemplified by the use of these compositions on such units as refrigerators,

washing machines, farm equipment, tractors,

film-forming component is a synthetic resin (for example, a modified alkyd resin) or a drying oil (orthodox oleoresinous varnishes) and in such instances, the improved strippable coatings are likewise useful as temporary coatings, since they insure the customers receiving the article in an un-marred condition.

The present invention affords numerous unique advantages. Of particular importance is the critical and exact balance of the degree of adhesion to metal surfaces including polished steel and aluminum alloys, which permits ready stripping of the film by hand but which is such that the film is not loosened or inadvertently stripped away by wind, exposure to water or ordinary mechanical abrasion and scuffing normally encountered during handling in shipping and storage. A peculiar advantage resides in the retention of strippability over extended periods after application of the coating, without any tendency to develop increased adhesion such as is apparent in many other types of strippable coatings. The new coatings afford outstanding resistance to corrosion on the metal surface substrate under the most severe climatic conditions and on exposure to salt water. The compositions of this invention provide coatings which are tough, resilient, and flexible even at low temperature extremes. They are also resistant to volatile aliphatic hydrocarbons, oils and greases and have unusually low permeability to the passage of water vapor, a property which enhances their ability to withstand corrosion conditions. The compositions may also be applied by spraying, thus extending their utility for coating larger units where dipping or other means of application is impractical.

It is apparent that many widely different embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and, therefore, it is not intended to be limited except as indicated in the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A corrosion-resistant, sprayable, strippable coating composition comprising, by weight, parts of an uncured chloroprene polymer obtained by polymerizing chloroprene in the presence of an amount of elementary sulfur up to 2% by weight of the chloroprene, a curing accelerator for the said chloroprene, and about -250 parts of carbon black.

2. The composition of claim 1, in which the carbon black is present in an amount of about .parts by weight.

, product is present in an amount of about 4 parts by weight and the, litharge is present in an amount-of about 17 parts by weight.

. 5. A corrosion-resistant, sprayable, strippable coating composition comprising, by weight, 100 parts of an uncured chloroprene polymer obtained by polymerizing chloroprene in the presence of an amount of elementary sulfur up to 2% by weight of the chloroprene. about 150-260 parts of carbon black, about 28 parts of. a butyraldehyde- -monobutyiamine condensation product, about 13.6-34.3 parts of litharge, and about 0.4-2.6 parts of piperidinium pentamethylene dithiocarbamate.

8. A corrosion-resistant. sprayable, strippable gloating of approximately the following composiand a curing accelerator for the said chloroprene.

CLYDE G. MURPHY. JOHN P. SERMA'I'I'EI.

REFERENCES crran UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,351,785 Bake June 20, 1944 7 Per cent by weight 10 Uneured chioroprene polymer obtained by polymerizing chioroprene in the presence of an amount of elementary sulfur up to 2% by weight of the chloroprene..- 12.58 Phenyl-p-naphthylamine (antieoxidant) 0.26 5 Stearic a 0.20 Calcined magnesia (extra light) 0.52 Soft carbon black 22.01 Light process 011 (low aniline point) 1.26 Zinc oxide 0.11 20 Piperidinium pentamethyiene dithiocarbamate 0.15 Toluene 87.70 xylene 25.10 

